Chapter 16: Semifinal Clash – Aera vs. Tien
The island awoke with electric energy as the second day of the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai began. The stands around the tournament arena were packed with spectators from across the globe. The announcer's voice echoed through the stadium like a thunderclap.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today we witness the semifinals! Four of the strongest fighters on Earth will now face off!"
Goku and Krillin sat side by side on the stone benches just outside the ring. Krillin looked nervous, bouncing his leg. Goku munched on an apple.
"You're gonna be fine," Goku said. "You got stronger. And clever."
"Yeah," Krillin exhaled. "But you're a beast."
Across the ring, Tien Shinhan stood in silent meditation, arms folded. Beside him, Aera sat cross-legged, eyes closed, humming a tune completely off-key.
Tien cracked one eye open to glance at her.
She opened her eyes. "Hi! Are you humming in your head too?"
He blinked. "...No."
"Aw, that's okay. We can still be friends after I boop you in the head!"
Tien narrowed his gaze. "You're not taking this seriously."
She nodded solemnly. "I'm always serious about fun!"
The announcer stepped forward with a flourish. "Now! The first semifinal match—Aera versus Tien Shinhan!"
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Match 1: Aera vs. Tien
As the bell rang, Tien launched forward like a bullet. He opened with a flurry of strikes: jabs, knees, spinning kicks. His form was textbook Crane School—brutal, efficient, and unrelenting.
Aera dodged and weaved, her movements loose and carefree. She giggled as she backflipped over a sweeping kick.
"You're really bendy too!"
"You mock me."
"I complimented you!"
Tien roared and unleashed a ki wave from his palm. Aera leaned to the side, letting it zip past her hair.
She looked back. "That tickled!"
Suddenly, she vanished—reappearing behind Tien.
"Boop!"
She tapped his shoulder.
Tien spun, elbowed, but hit air. She vanished again. Then again. A dozen afterimages danced around him.
"She's that fast?!" Krillin gawked.
"No," Goku grinned. "She's faster."
Tien roared, eyes glowing. "You think this is a game?!"
He spread his arms wide.
"SOLAR FLARE!"
A flash of blinding light engulfed the arena. The crowd gasped and shielded their eyes.
Aera blinked, then sat down. "Pretty lights!"
Tien shot in, fists flying, and landed three brutal hits—two to the ribs, one to the jaw.
Aera skidded backward, coughing.
"Oh wow. You're serious now."
She stood straight. Her energy shifted. For the first time, the stadium felt it—a pressure, a presence.
"My turn!"
She rushed in, the ground cracking beneath each step. Tien blocked the first punch—but it sent him flying into the stadium wall.
He pulled himself out, blood on his lip.
She waited.
"You're not like the others," he muttered.
"I like playing. But I also like trying!"
They clashed again—shockwaves rippling. Fist met fist. Speed against speed. For minutes, no one in the crowd could even follow.
Tien launched into the air. "Tri-Beam… HA!!!"
He formed a triangle with his hands. A golden beam of condensed energy erupted downward.
Aera looked up.
"Oooooh. Pretty."
The beam struck. Dust engulfed the ring.
Silence.
Then a breeze cleared the smoke.
Aera stood, her gi singed, arms crossed in an X. Her feet had dug trenches into the tiles.
Tien's eyes widened.
"That was… strong!" she said with glee. "You really meant it!"
She vanished—and reappeared with a spin-kick to his side.
Tien coughed blood. His body flew across the ring and landed hard.
He groaned.
"...I concede."
The bell rang.
The announcer jumped. "A-Aera wins! What an incredible battle!"
The crowd exploded in cheers.
---
Backstage
Tien leaned against the wall, panting. Aera stood beside him, offering a rice ball.
"You're the strongest I've ever fought," he muttered.
"Thank you! Your beam made my hair all poofy."
He chuckled despite himself.
"I misjudged you. You're a monster—but a good one."
"A monster? Like a fuzzy dragon?"
Krillin passed by. "You might actually win the whole thing."
Aera blinked. "Is there a prize?"
"Money. And fame."
"Can I trade it for more rice balls?"
Goku and Krillin laughed.
The announcer's voice rang out again.
"Up next—Goku versus Krillin!"
Goku stood, cracking his knuckles.
"Let's go."
Aera beamed. "Go, Goku! Punch him with love!"
As Goku stepped onto the ring, the excitement in the air rose again.
And somewhere in the stands, shadows shifted.
Eyes narrowed.
The world was watching… but someone else was planning.
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End of Chapter 16